Dear Carroll Community,
We are pleased to share exciting news about a new initiative that reflects both the generosity of donors who believe deeply in Carroll and our continued commitment to student success.
Beginning with the Fall 2026 entering class, every incoming full-time first-year undergraduate student will receive a MacBook Neo laptop through the new Saints Smart Start Initiative. This generous gift, made possible by Shelly Goldberg and Ryan McCauley, is designed to help every new Saint begin their Carroll journey feeling supported, prepared, and ready to learn from day one.
At Carroll, we know students arrive with different experiences, different resources, and different levels of access to technology. In today’s academic environment, a reliable laptop is an important tool for learning, research, communication, and engagement both inside and outside the classroom. This initiative helps ease that burden for incoming students and creates a stronger starting point as they transition into college life.
The Saints Smart Start Initiative is intentionally focused on new students because Ryan and Shelly wanted to make an impact at the very beginning of the college journey. They believe in the value of higher education and in the important role Carroll plays in strengthening the greater Helena community through the graduates we send into the world.
Their gift also helps Carroll stand out in an increasingly competitive higher education environment. As students and families weigh many options, innovative investments like this can help more students see Carroll as a place where they will be supported and where they can thrive. Strong incoming classes support the vitality of our campus, sustain academic programs, and strengthen the long-term future of the college.
While this initiative is focused on incoming students, our commitment to current Carroll students remains as strong as ever. We continue to invest in academic programs, campus resources, student life, faculty mentorship, and the many initiatives that help our students succeed throughout their time here. We were reminded of that shared commitment during this year’s Saints Giving Day, when the generosity of 1,195 donors helped raise over $400,000 to support current and future Carroll students, programs, and opportunities across our campus.
We are deeply grateful for donors who are looking for creative and meaningful ways to help Carroll grow stronger and serve students well, and we are hopeful that this gift becomes a launching point for additional philanthropic support that benefits our wider student body in the years ahead.
We are especially thankful to Ryan and Shelly for their generosity and belief in Carroll. Their gift is a meaningful vote of confidence in our mission and in the future of this college.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Glowienka, Ph.D.
Bishop Austin A. Vetter, D.D.
Interim Co-Presidents, Carroll College
